Conjunctions und, aber, oder, denn
A1 · Beginner · Basics
The rule
These do not change the word order (position 0).
How it works
Und (and), aber (but), oder (or) and denn (because) are coordinating conjunctions. They join two main clauses and do not change the word order: the verb of the second clause stays in second position. Denn means "because" in writing and speech, and it is less common than weil.
When to use it
Join two main clauses with und (and), aber (but), oder (or) or denn (because), which do not change the word order.
Use cases
- Listing options: Kaffee oder Tee?
- Contrasting ideas: Es ist kalt, aber sonnig
- Giving a reason in a short sentence: Ich bleibe, denn ich bin müde
Examples
- Ich bin müde, denn ich arbeite viel – I am tired because I work a lot
- Ich lerne Deutsch und ich spiele Gitarre. – I learn German and I play guitar.
- Er ist nett, aber er ist laut. – He is nice, but he is loud.
- Wir gehen spazieren, denn das Wetter ist gut. – We go for a walk because the weather is good.
Common mistake
Sending the verb to the end after und, aber or denn, which only happens in subordinate clauses.
Memory tip
These four words are "position zero": the next clause still starts with its verb in position two.